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Is Philip Rivers a potential option if the Bucs decide to move on from Jameis Winston?

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers still have to figure out what to do at the quarterback position. While the front office and head coach Bruce Arians had hoped that at this point they’d have some clarity on Jameis Winston’s future, the quarterback did little to convince them he’s the long-term answer.

Despite throwing for over 5,000 yards this season and becoming the eighth player in NFL history to reach that feat and the first in Bucs history, Winston also had 30 interceptions and five lost fumbles. It’s not a stretch to say he cost his team more than a few victories, especially when you consider the fact he threw a pick-six in overtime in Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons, which ended the Bucs’ season at 7-9.

Arians, himself, has said he and the organization will evaluate Winston over the next few weeks, but a public announcement won’t be forthcoming. So, we can let the speculation begin as to who could potentially replace Winston if the Bucs ultimately decide to rip the band-aid off and move on.

Eason and Love are both collegiate quarterbacks that would be available in the 2020 NFL Draft. Bridgewater, as we know, has a big fan in Bruce Arians. But, Rivers is the most interesting name on this list, given both his age and gunslinger mentality.

Here’s what Easterling had to say about the idea:

“If Bucs head coach Bruce Arians wants a replacement that will take the least time to acclimate to his offense, getting one of the league’s most experience and productive passers could be the best solution. Rivers is a future Hall of Famer who has an expiring contract, and the Chargers could be looking to start a new era. Rivers has had his own struggles with turnovers in recent years, thanks to a gunslinging style similar to Winston’s. Some Bucs fans might feel Rivers wouldn’t be much of an improvement in many ways, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Arians bring him in if they do decide to move on from Winston.”

Rivers has been a solid quarterback throughout his career, and led his team to the playoffs a number of times. The issue, as Easterling rightly points out, is Rivers’ habit of throwing interceptions. Rivers had 20 picks this season, and had Winston not thrown 30, it likely would’ve been talked about a lot more. In fact, Rivers has thrown 20 or more interceptions three times in his career, including a career-high 21 in 2016.

He’s certainly a big name quarterback, but if the Bucs are serious about making a postseason run next year, bringing in Rivers doesn’t seem like the best solution.

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